INVERCLYDE is boasting the highest rise in average house prices across Scotland, according to new figures.

The average cost of a home in the area has gone up by 24 per cent since last year, despite the number of house sales falling by 17.2 per cent.

The statistics, from the Registers of Scotland, cover July to September this year and draw a comparison to the same period in 2009.

In Inverclyde, the average house price jumped from £111,925 in that quarter last year to an average of £138,825 in the same timeframe this year.

But the actual number of sales are down - with 302 properties selling in Inverclyde last year compared to 250 sales being concluded during the same period this year.

Clayton McGuiness, left, from estate agents Scott & McGuiness, said the continued rise in average prices is encouraging.

He added: “There are a lot more modern and detached houses that have been built in Inverclyde during the past 10 or so years, which is reflected in the average prices. Inverclyde still represents excellent value for money.

“We would like to see the 17 per cent fall in sales going the other way but I feel the number of sales over the course of the year will balance out.” Mr McGuiness said he was ‘cautiously optimistic’ for next year.

He added: “I expect next year will be slightly better than this year, and that this year will be slightly better than last year.” Across the country, the number of sales increased by just under five per cent, while the average cost of a home rose by almost six per cent to £163,360.